As a world-class medical facility offering the latest in technologies and a comprehensive range of healthcare services, The Medical Center of Plano continues its growth to maintain its position as a leader in healthcare.

For Professionals

Do you share our passion for delivering high quality and safe patient care? This section is specifically for healthcare professionals, including physicians, mid-level providers, nurses, and other non-clinical professionals.

Placenta Previa

Definition

The placenta is an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy. Its purpose is to nourish the baby. Oxygen and nutrients pass through the placenta to the baby. Waste products pass back out to the mother’s blood stream.

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta becomes implanted near or over the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. With this condition, the placenta may cover part or all of the cervix. This condition is only diagnosed after 20 weeks of gestation.

Symptoms

Placenta previa symptoms vary depending on how much of the cervical opening is covered. The main symptom is painless bleeding from the vagina. This bleeding can range from light to very heavy. It usually occurs suddenly during late pregnancy. Spotting that occurs early in pregnancy may point to placenta previa.

Anything that disrupts the placenta, such as sexual intercourse, or digital exam of the vagina and cervix, may cause bleeding.

Complications

Complications of placenta previa include:

Major bleeding

Increased risk of infection

Increased likelihood of a blood transfusion

Premature birth, which occurs when an infant is less than 37 weeks of gestation

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. A pelvic exam will not be done if placenta previa is a possibility. A pelvic exam may cause bleeding. Instead, an
ultrasound
will be done through the vagina or abdomen to view the placenta in the uterus. If placenta previa is detected early in pregnancy, with or without bleeding, another ultrasound will be done during the third trimester to be sure it has resolved.

If you had cesarean section in the past, and the ultrasound indicates a potential problem with the placenta, your doctor may recommend an
MRI scan
.

Treatment

Treatment depends on several factors, including the amount of bleeding
and the gestational age of the fetus. Recommendations for treatment include:

Pelvic rest—avoid sexual intercourse and tampon use if placenta previa continues into third trimester

Hospitalization for major placenta previa at or beyond 34 weeks of gestation

Medications to prolong your pregnancy and help with growth of fetal lungs with symptomatic placenta previa or bleeding at 24-34 weeks

How you will delivery your baby depends on your ultrasound results at 36 weeks of gestation. There is a possibility that the placenta previa will go away on its own. A cesarean section may be necessary if the placenta covers the opening of the cervix, there is heavy bleeding at delivery, or other serious complications arise that affect the health of the mother and baby.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent placenta previa.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.